Magic Town dresses up for season

Michael Garman’s sculpture theater, Magic Town, will be transformed into a winter wonderland during the holidays. (Photo courtesy of Magic Town)

Michael Garman’s Magic Town is getting a makeover. The 3,000- square-foot miniature village has been transformed into a winter wonderland as the city scenes have been dressed in a Christmas theme.

In 1959, Michael Garman hitchhiked into Mexico for what he thought would be a two-week sojourn. Two years later he was in Santiago, Chile, where he talked his way into attending the School of Fine Arts for free.

Here Garman discovered his love of sculpting as he drew his inspiration from life and began fashioning his characters from everyday scenes. Upon returning to the United States, Garman traveled to Dallas, San Francisco, Philadelphia and Colorado Springs, which he would eventually call home.

Garman began working on Magic Town in 1975. Ten years later Magic Town would be open to the public for viewing and a chance to purchase one of his characters. Magic Town contains a series of buildings with streets, sidewalks and a story. Each window contains a different and unique scene, from a trio playing pool to an artist at his work bench.

In celebration of the holiday season, Magic Town has been dressed up for the occasion to include decorated trees with working lights, miniature presents, festive decorations and even a waving Santa Claus.

The 3,000-square-foot theater and scenes have been decorated with a waving Santa Claus, festive decorations, presents and snow. (Photo courtesy of Magic Town)

A hand-sculpted Santa Claus greets guests upon their arrival to Magic Town. Adults and children can participate in the scavenger hunt where a list of characters and scene locations from across the sculpture theater are recorded to complete the hunt.

The Crown Theater will be playing “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Complimentary popcorn is provided to all guests upon admission to the theater.

Magic Town is family friendly and located in the heart of Old Colorado City. The city offers families a chance to make a day of Magic Town and explore the many boutique-style shops and many restaurants. Street and lot parking are available on a first-come, first-served basis.